Small watercraft mooring device and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A watercraft mooring device is provided. The mooring device provides a rigid body extending between a rigid hook portion and an elastic loop connectable to the watercraft. The rigid hook portion has a distal end that transitions by way of a curvature to a proximal end rigidly connected to the rigid body. A foam layer may encase the rigid body, giving floatation properties to the mooring device as well as bumper capabilities. The prong of the hook portion is dimensioned and adapted to slide through a slot of a cleat or the like on a docking structure, whereby the curvature enables a pivotal connection so that the loop end of mooring device may move vertically out of plane with the cleat slot, while the rigidity of the hook portion and the rigid body of the mooring device keeps the watercraft spaced apart from the docking structure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 63/287,839, filed 9 Dec. 2021, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to watercraft accessories and, more particularly, a small watercraft mooring device and a method of using the same.

It is well documented that various problems exist in securing boats to a dock. Typically, ropes are used to secure boats to docks, whereby ideally only the boat's rub rail would strike the dock, thereby minimizing damage to the boat. Depending on the configuration of the dock and the motion of the waves, however, the boat's rub rail will not be the first or only part of boat to contact the dock and thus damage can occur to the boat. To further prevent damage to the boat, devices are placed between the dock and the boat, such as fenders, which are long oval devices made of rubber that are tied off to the dock or boat and act as a bumper. The large rubber fenders, disadvantageously, take time to secure and take significant space on the boat to store when not in use. Other devices are attached to the boat and structure to act as a spacer; though, these devices have various design flaws. Specifically, devices that do not have a rigid connection to the dock continue to allow the boat to move toward the dock under the force of waves and wind, resulting in damage to the boat by way of the dock when they do contact each other. Furthermore, current small watercraft mooring devices are not easily detachable from the structure and are not compact for easy storage.

As can be seen, there is a need for a small watercraft mooring device and a method of using the same, wherein the device and the method of using it quickly secures a boat to a dock in a rigid connection that prevents the boat from striking the dock regardless of the boat type, dock configuration, and wave and weather conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention embodies a single device that can satisfy many conditions, wherein the device can connect the boat to a structure and hold the boat away from the structure and surrounding boats.

The present invention minimizes boat moving in a forward direction, a backward direction, in a toward direction toward the dock structure, as well as an away direction away from the docking structure.

The device embodied in the present invention allows the watercraft to move up and down with waves or tides.

The present invention is adapted to quickly detach from the docking structure.

The present invention is by design compact so that it can be stored in the boat with minimal space required.

The present invention floats in case it is dropped in the water.

The present invention is configured to be used upon approaching the docking structure to help pull the boat closer to the docking structure.

The present invention may be used as a bumper to prevent the boat from striking the docking structure.

The device disclosed herein may be utilized to push away from the docking structure upon launch.

The present invention may be used to attach to two adjacent boats to keep them together like a raft while preventing the boats from coming in contact.

In one aspect of the present invention, a watercraft mooring device includes: a rigid body extending between a boat end and a dock end; and one or more rigid hook portions extending outward from the dock end, wherein each hook portion provides an approximately one-hundred-and-eighty-degree curved transition between a distal prong portion and a proximal portion rigidly connected to the rigid body.

In another aspect of the present invention, the watercraft mooring device further includes the following: an elastic loop extending from the boat end; a foam layer encasing the rigid body, wherein each end comprises a stop and a cap between the stop and the rigid body; and further including a second elastic loop extending from the dock end, wherein the rigid body extends for at least eight inches, wherein each hook portion is constructed from a wire having a diameter between a sixteenth of an inch and one inch. It is understood that the wire may be made of metal or various plasticize materials that provide the rigidity required for the present invention to function as disclosed herein.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a method of mooring a watercraft to a dock cleat having a cleat slot, the method includes the following: moving the above-mentioned mooring device so that one prong portion slides through the cleat slot in a downward orientation; rotating said mooring device approximately one-hundred-and-eighty-degrees so that one prong is in an upward orientation; and attaching the elastic loop to the watercraft.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 2 is a detailed top perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a section view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the first step of use, showing a hooked engagement of a docking cleat 30, and showing a prong of a hook portion 24 engaging a slot of the dock cleat 30 in a downward orientation.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the second step of use, showing the rotation of the engaged hook portion 24 around the dock cleat 30 so that the hook portion 24 is in an upward orientation.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the ability of the present invention to adjust up and down with wave movement.

FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an alternative use. Note, though it is not shown, one end of the device 10 has one or more rigid hook portions 24 that rigidly connect to a respective boat, thereby preventing the boats from coming together.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a small watercraft mooring device. The mooring device provides a rigid body extending between a rigid hook portion and an elastic loop. The elastic loop connects the mooring device to the small watercraft. The rigid hook portion may be constructed of a wire having a distal end that transitions by way of a curvature to a proximal end rigidly connected to the rigid body in a colinear orientation. A foam layer may encase the rigid body for providing floatation properties and bumper capabilities between the watercraft and a docking structure. The prong of the hook portion is dimensioned and adapted to slide through a slot of a cleat or the like on the docking structure, whereby the curvature enables a pivotal connection so that the loop end of mooring device may move vertically out of plane with the cleat slot. The rigidity of the hook portion and the rigid body of the mooring device keeps the watercraft spaced apart from the docking structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8 the present invention may include a small craft mooring device 10. The small craft mooring device 10 may include a body 17 extending between a boat end 42 and a dock end 44.

The body 17 may include a rigid core 16 encased in a foam layer 12. The foam layer 12 may be sheathed in an outer layer 14. Each end 42 and 44 may be defined by a rubber stop 20 attached on the end portions of the rigid core 16 protruding from the end of the body 17. The stop 20 (and thus the rigid core 16) is prevented from moving relative to the foam layer 12 with the assistance of a grommet 18 connected to the end portions of the body 17. An elastic loop 22 may be disposed at each stop 20 at both ends 42 and 44. The elastic loop 22 may be shock type cord or ‘bungee’ cord. The dock end 44 may provide one or more hook portions 24, wherein if there are a plurality of hook portions 24, each is oriented in the same direction as they extend from the dock end 44. Each hook portion 24 is rigidly connected to the rigid core 16.

Each hook portion 24 is dimensioned and adapted to quickly be secured to a docking cleat 30 of a docking structure 34. The docking cleat 30 has a cleat slot 32 through which a distal end or prong of one of the hook portions 24 slides through. This “hooked engagement” secures the device to the rigid center of the docking cleat 30. The elastic loop 22 of the boat end 42 may be removably secured to the boat cleat 38 of the boat 36. The rigidity of the hooked engagement coupled to the rigidity of the rigid core 16 prevents movement of the attached boat 36 from going forward, backward, toward, or away from the docking structure 34. The hook portion 24 received in the cleat slot 32 will pivot to allow securing the other boat end of the device with varying boat 36 or dock structure 34 configurations. The slot-engaged hook portion 24 will also pivot to allow the boat 36 to go up and down with waves or other movements due to the curvature of the hook portion 24 as it transitions from its distal prong to a proximal end connecting to the rigid core 16.

A boat-end loop 22 minimizes boat movement from waves or other movements and pulls the boat 36 back into the original position. The foam core layer 12 allows the mooring device 10 to be used as a bumper and the mooring device 10 will float if dropped into the water. The longitudinal stiffness of the mooring device 10 can be used as an aid upon approach and departure, preventing the boat 36 from contacting the docking structure 34. The mooring device 10 is easily detachable from the boat 36 and docking structure 34 and is compact for easy storage.

A method of making the present invention may include the following: A hook portion 24 may be connected to the end of a pipe 16. The prong of each hook portion 24 will extend beyond the end of the pipe 16. On each end of the pipe 16, a looped cord 22 is secured inside the pipe using a connector that passes through the pipe 16. The looped cord 22 extends out from each end of the pipe (for up to four or more inches. Stoppers 20 are placed on each end of the pipe 16. The cord 22 may pass through each stopper 20. The foam layer 12 may be placed around the outside of the pipe 16. Printed material can be placed around the foam layer 12.

In alternate embodiments, the hook portion 24 could be reconfigured or made with different materials and achieve the same function. The pipe 16 could be of varying shape, size, length, or material and achieve the same function. The cord 22 could be of various material, shape, width, length, or position to perform the same function. The foam layer 12 could be of varying shape, size, or material and achieve the same function.

The hook portion 24 is dimensioned and adapted to quickly secure to the dock cleat 30, though other docking attachment points may be used by the hook portions 24 as long as they enable the hooked engagement. In fact, any structure having an aperture of slot through which the prong of a hook portion 24 can slide through would be effective. The hook portion 24 is secured to the rigid core 16 such that when attached to the dock cleat 30, the rigid core 16 minimizes movement of the boat from going forward, backward, toward, or away from the docking structure 34. The hook portion 24 will pivot, due to its curvature, to allow securing the other end of the mooring device 10 with varying boat or dock configurations. The hook portion 24 will also pivot in a vertical plane (as illustrated in FIG. 7 , wherein the axis rotation goes into, orthogonal to, the drawing sheet) to allow the boat to go up and down with waves or other movements. (This axis of rotation is the same one the device 10 rotates about in FIG. 6 ). Though the rigidity of the hook portion prevents pivoting in the lateral planes (defined by the two axis that are orthogonal to above-mentioned axis of rotation). The loop 22 affords a minimum amount of boat movement from waves or other movements, but then pulls the boat back into the original position.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6 , the hook portion 24 may be easily installed as its distal prong slides through the cleat slot 32 in a toward direction (toward the docking structure 34 of the dock cleat 30 and away from the boat 36), and once the prong protrudes from the other side of the cleat slot 32, the entire mooring device 10 may be rotated approximately one-hundred-and-eighty degrees so the boat end 42 rotates from the docking structure 34 to facing the boat 36 (in the away direction/orientation).

As used in this application, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a range of values within plus or minus 10% of the specified number. And the term “substantially” refers to up to 80% or more of an entirety. Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein.

For purposes of this disclosure, the term “aligned” means parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term “transverse” means perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “length” means the longest dimension of an object. Also, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “width” means the dimension of an object from side to side. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “above” generally means superjacent, substantially superjacent, or higher than another object although not directly overlying the object. Further, for purposes of this disclosure, the term “mechanical communication” generally refers to components being in direct physical contact with each other or being in indirect physical contact with each other where movement of one component affect the position of the other.

The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments or the claims. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosed embodiments.

In the following description, it is understood that terms such as “first,” “second,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” and the like, are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting terms unless specifically stated to the contrary.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A watercraft mooring device comprising: a rigid body extending between a boat end and a dock end; and one or more rigid hook portions extending outward from the dock end, wherein each hook portion provides a distal end that transitions by way of a curvature to a proximal end rigidly connected to the rigid body.
 2. The watercraft mooring device of claim 1, further comprising: an elastic loop extending from the boat end.
 3. The watercraft mooring device of claim 2, further comprising: a foam layer encasing the rigid body.
 4. The watercraft mooring device of claim 3, wherein each end comprises a stop and a cap between the stop and the rigid body.
 5. The watercraft mooring device of claim 4, further comprising a second elastic loop extending from the dock end.
 6. The watercraft mooring device of claim 5, wherein the rigid body extends for at least eight inches.
 7. The watercraft mooring device of claim 5, wherein each hook portion is constructed from wire having a diameter between a sixteenth of an inch and one inch.
 8. A method of mooring a watercraft to a dock cleat having a cleat slot, the method comprising: moving the mooring device of claim 2 so that one prong portion slides through the cleat slot in a downward orientation; rotating said mooring device approximately one-hundred-and-eighty-degrees so that one prong is in an upward orientation; and attaching the elastic loop to the watercraft.
 9. A method of connecting two watercrafts together, the method comprising: moving the mooring device of claim 2 so that the prongs go under a boat cleat of one of the two watercrafts in a downward orientation; rotating said mooring device approximately one-hundred-and-eighty-degrees so that the prongs are in an upward orientation; and attaching the elastic loop to the other watercraft of the two watercrafts. 